Texans reportedly one of three finalists for 'Hard Knocks'

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The Texans could be on the newest installment of HBO's "Hard Knocks" come August.

The Houston Chronicle reports the Texans are one of three teams being considered for the show, and ESPN has heard Houston is the favorite. Owner Bob McNair said at the NFL meetings in March that he was considering having Houston on the show, but Cleveland was thought to be the favorite at the time.

MORE: Texans' 2015 draft picks | Browns want to protect Johnny Manziel from 'Hard Knocks'

Per league rules, teams cannot be on the show if they’ve made the playoffs within the last two seasons, have a new head coach or have already appeared on the series.

With Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel working his way back in the football circuit after his time in rehab, the team did not want to be on the show, ESPN reported. Since NFL Films wants the teams be willing participants, Cleveland seems to be off the hook this year.

J.J. Watt isn't a bad fallback option as a marquee attraction.

Other eligible teams are Jacksonville, Tennessee, the New York Giants, Minnesota, St. Louis, Washington and Tampa Bay. Pro Football Talk reported Buffalo could also be in the mix, though the Bills don't fit the regular criteria, due to the team's new head coach, Rex Ryan.

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